Mikel Arteta has warned that Arsenal’s squad depth could prove decisive in their pursuit of further success, while admitting the club remains open to signing a high-profile forward before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have invested heavily in building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. After spending about £250m on eight players last summer, Arsenal have committed a further £200m this year.
Piero Hincapie’s loan move has been made permanent for £34.5m, while Bruno Guimaraes has arrived from Newcastle United for £75m. Christos Tzolis joined from Club Brugge for £34m and Ezri Konsa was signed from Aston Villa in a £55m deal.
Arteta believes the quality of those additions has already strengthened Arsenal’s ability to control matches and maintain momentum throughout a demanding campaign.
“The players that come in make the difference. All of them contributed to create more dominance and more momentum,” the Arsenal manager told Sky Sports.
“The level of focus and the way they want to contribute to the team, that is going to be decisive in the season.”
Despite the depth now available across much of the squad, Arsenal are still looking to improve their attacking options. The club have been pursuing an elite forward and could remain active until Tuesday’s deadline.
Arsenal’s efforts to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr have not succeeded, while they retain a long-standing interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arteta was unwilling to rule out further movement when asked whether Arsenal could complete another deal.
“We are trying to improve the squad and until tomorrow night we will try to do it,” he said.
Arteta added that he had been focused entirely on Arsenal’s match over the previous 24 hours and would now turn his attention back to the transfer market.
Asked specifically about Alvarez, he replied: “I don’t know, that’s for the people upstairs.”
Arsenal’s recruitment drive has left Arteta with one of the strongest squads in European football, and the manager will hope its depth can help the club sustain their challenge at the top of the table.
